Council’s priorities for next 4 years agreed

The council’s new priorities for the next 4 years were agreed at the meeting of full council on Wednesday 29 November 2023.

The Council Plan, which sets out where the council will focus its attention, time and money, will look to improve local health, the environment, communities and the economy across the borough.

The plan aligns to the Labour administration’s election manifesto. The overall vision for the council in this period is to grow together and shape tomorrow.

The plan has 3 key themes in line with that vision:

• Engaged and healthy communities
• Thriving and connected economy
• Green and sustainable environment

Key projects under these themes include:

• building and opening a new supported living service in Birch Hill (called Bridgewell)
• a new SEND school at Buckler’s Park
• creating more than 80 new affordable or social rent homes in Market Street and additional affordable homes on the former depot site in Old Bracknell Lane West
• working with the NHS to create a new health facility in the town centre
• enabling the delivery of a new community hub in Warfield alongside Warfield Parish Council
• working with Bracknell Regeneration Partnership to provide some ‘meanwhile’ activity on the former Bentalls site in the town centre
• researching the possibility of providing new energy schemes at the old London Road landfill site, including a solar array and charging hub

Cllr Mary Temperton, leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said:

“Our agreed Council Plan sets out 3 main priorities for the council to focus its time and resources on until 2027. It also details how the council will monitor the progress being made in achieving its goals for the borough.

“These include an increase in: recycling the correct items, the number of affordable homes, bus use and the number of electrical vehicle chargers. It also includes a reduction in the number of people sleeping rough, a reduction in carbon emissions, improving education outcomes for disadvantaged children and those in care, and increasing the effectiveness of mental health support, as well as other physical health measures.

“The plan also focuses on reducing unemployment further and increasing the skills and training of local people, as well as increasing the number of people visiting the town centre.”

The council will now work with other organisations such as the NHS, community groups, residents and businesses on relevant priorities and projects to achieve its ambitions.

View the full Council Plan